We were lucky to catch up with Janay Lewis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Janay , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

A few years after I graduated from cosmetology school, I decided to take a risk and move to Houston,Texas with my son with only five hundred and ninety eight dollars to start my life over. For the first year, I worked as a hairstylist at hair salon called DryBar to learn the skills I needed to become a professional.

While working at the salon, I also got a chance to learn how to properly run a business as far as scheduling appointments, keeping up with inventory, etc. Shortly after, I decided to quit my job to take another risk to start my own brand called Gemini Tresses.

Taking multiple risks have allowed me to work independently as an entrepreneur ever since. My journey was not an easy one, but it was definitely one worth taking! My God given talents have landed me the opportunity to work as a celebrity hairstylist, as well as top production companies such as ESPN Magazine, E! News, Beats By Dre & so many others! I have also included a few other things to my resume as well such as a Published Author, Motivational Speaker and a Realtor!

I am now sharing my journey in my book with my clients,aspiring hairstylists, and many others across the world to encourage them to chase their dreams and to always have “The Audacity To Continue” which happens to be the name of my book.

Taking many risks thus far has allowed me transform myself into the person I am today! In my personal opinion, being a risk taker has proved to be one of many ways to achieve my goals to create the life I’ve always wanted.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I began styling my own hair at eight years old and took my first client at the age of twelve. I knew the cosmetology industry would become a long-term career option that I would enjoy. I have been a Licensed Master Cosmetologist for over 8 years and now have over twenty-two years of experience under my belt.

Gemini Tresses provides high quality natural and hair extension services. We provide high quality hair extensions and we have also created an online class for our popular extension technique called, Brazilian Knots located on our website.

What sets me apart from others is my passion to inspire and encourage during my services. I have been able to give hope to so many women of all ages just by sharing my personal testimony. I also needed to make sure that after every appointment, our clients would not only look good on the outside, but most importantly, from within.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I began growing my social media following by posting consistent content via Instagram, YouTube, Tik Tok, etc. I still use the “old skool” way by individually handing out business cards to potential clients while I’m out and about. This has always worked for me because our potential clients can actually see you in real life! So don’t forget to look your best at all times! Using these marketing tactics can help any type of business grow if it’s consistent. Last but not least, we can’t forget about word of mouth. I love this tactic because it’s FREE and don’t have to lift a finger!

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Honestly, I only had enough money to go on VistaPrint and print out my first few hundred business cards. After that, I decided to opened up a business bank account and a business credit card. About a week later I opened up the mailbox, opened the bank letter, and found out I had been approved for a credit card. Although I tried to stay away from credit cards, at that time made it the only way possible for me to purchase my computer, equipment, products, and other necessities I needed to build my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.GeminiTresses.com
• Instagram: @Its_Janay_Lewis
• Linkedin: Janay Lewis
• Youtube: www.YouTube.com/JanayLewis